| 367 | 368 | 369 | 370 | 371 |
| 1 | 133 | 265 | 398 | 530 |
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had yet been found to fill the office; how, learning all this in an
interview with the sexton, who was confined to his bed by
rheumatism, he had been bold to make mention of his fellow-traveller,
which had been so favourably received by that high authority, that he
had taken courage, acting on his advice, to propound the matter to
the clergyman. In a word, the result of his exertions was, that Nell and
her grandfather were to be carried before the last-named gentleman
next day; and, his approval of their conduct and appearance reserved
as a matter of form, that they were already appointed to the vacant
post.
'
There's a small allowance of money,' said the schoolmaster. 'It is not
much, but still enough to live upon in this retired spot. By clubbing
our funds together, we shall do bravely; no fear of that.'
'Heaven bless and prosper you!' sobbed the child.
'
Amen, my dear,' returned her friend cheerfully; 'and all of us, as it
will, and has, in leading us through sorrow and trouble to this
tranquil life. But we must look at MY house now. Come!'
They repaired to the other tenement; tried the rusty keys as before; at
length found the right one; and opened the worm-eaten door. It led
into a chamber, vaulted and old, like that from which they had come,
but not so spacious, and having only one other little room attached. It
was not difficult to divine that the other house was of right the
schoolmaster's, and that he had chosen for himself the least
commodious, in his care and regard for them. Like the adjoining
habitation, it held such old articles of furniture as were absolutely
necessary, and had its stack of fire-wood.
To make these dwellings as habitable and full of comfort as they
could, was now their pleasant care. In a short time, each had its
cheerful fire glowing and crackling on the hearth, and reddening the
pale old wall with a hale and healthy blush. Nell, busily plying her
needle, repaired the tattered window-hangings, drew together the
rents that time had worn in the threadbare scraps of carpet, and
made them whole and decent. The schoolmaster swept and smoothed
the ground before the door, trimmed the long grass, trained the ivy
and creeping plants which hung their drooping heads in melancholy
neglect; and gave to the outer walls a cheery air of home. The old man,
sometimes by his side and sometimes with the child, lent his aid to
both, went here and there on little patient services, and was happy.
Neighbours, too, as they came from work, proffered their help; or sent
their children with such small presents or loans as the strangers
needed most. It was a busy day; and night came on, and found them
wondering that there was yet so much to do, and that it should be
dark so soon.
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